San Juan de Ulúa Fortress

Plan for roughly two hours to explore the fortress complex, which includes towers, dungeons, and battlements linked by a maze of passageways and courtyards. Although it’s easy to explore independently, visiting with a guide lets you dive into the fortress’ history, which includes stories of captured naval fleets, pirates and international treasure, and a significant role in the African slave trade.

After peeking into the old prison cells and visiting the fortress museum, walk around the ramparts and climb the towers for impressive views of the harbor below.

• As well as being a must-see for those interested in Mexico’s colonial history, the fortress is a fun attraction for kids, who will enjoy climbing the battlements and exploring the dimly lit dungeons.
• Large parts of fortress tours take place outside, so bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water.
• The old buildings, courtyards, and bastions are linked by steps and narrow passageways, meaning access is limited for wheelchairs and strollers.

The fortress is easy to find, standing at the northern end of the Port of Veracruz. The easiest way to get there from downtown Veracruz is to take a 10-minute taxi ride. In peak season, water taxis run across the harbor from Veracruz Pier (Malecon).

The fortress is open from Tuesday through Sunday. It’s a popular site, so try to arrive early to avoid crowds and the midday heat.

Many sightseeing tours of Veracruz include visits to the fortress. Combine your tour with a stroll along the seafront Malecón boardwalk; a visit to the Zocalo (Plaza de Armas), the city’s lively central square; or photo stops at Veracruz Cathedral and the Municipal Palace. Other popular attractions include Veracruz Aquarium, the largest of its kind in Latin America; the sandy beach of Villa del Mar; and the atmospheric Boca del Rio neighborhood.